Deer, oh deer - intruders leap across the track in the opener at Newcastle

Jockey Barry McHugh got quite a shock in the opening race at Newcastle on Wednesday when two deer ran across his path.

He was leading the 1m4f handicap on Luv U Whatever as the field approached the home turn with around half a mile to travel when the incident happened.

The first deer is about to dart under the rails at Newcastle

Two deer bounded across the infield, under the running rail and then in front of the field.

Fortunately they were several lengths clear of Luv U Whatever and did not interfere with the race. The deer appeared to sprint off into the outfield while McHugh's mount went on to finish second to Desert Ruler.

The second deer follows its partner in dashing in front of the field at Newcastle

McHugh said: "The horse spotted them before I did. He pricked his lugs and the next thing I knew I saw this brown thing come out of nowhere. Then the second one followed it out.

"Luckily they were maybe a length or two in front of us. It was just one of those things but it could have been nasty.

"I've seen the odd pheasant or other birds on the track but nothing like that."

Clerk of the course James Armstrong said: "I don't recollect this happening before. We have deer on the estate, which is just under 800 acres; we do know there is wildlife about.

"It's rare to see deer frequenting the centre of the track at this time as there have been golfers playing all day, you normally expect to see them moving just after dark.

"We've spotters in place three and a half furlongs out, on the inside of the course, and they shush them in opposite directions, but they are wild animals and when they are sat tight in the middle it's hard to spot them."

An inquiry was held and, having heard from Armstrong and McHugh, stewards were satisfied the course was taking all reasonable measures to prevent such an incident. The course advised it will review current procedures.

View the video of the race here